Fragments of the Lost [Fate/Grand Order] [Abandoned]

Chapter 26

Intense. That was what anyone who watched the fight between the Archer and Lancer going at it. No words were spoken, but instead, they talked with their blades.

The lance pierced and strikes with speed, leaving blur after blur. The king's eyes glowing from beneath that helmet. Each strike was calculated, knowing where to attack, when to dodge, and what openings to go after.

It's only natural for her to be on the offense. For she knows the Bowman in front of her is not one to let be in the defensive. Be close to him at all times! Make him falter! Back him up to a corner! That way, he won't be as destructive and dangerous from afar with the range he will have against her. The Bowman's skills are not one to take lightly, be warily cautious of the Bowman's arsenal. For he can detonate and destroy each weapon he throws at you with that Bow of his.

That's why... For the longest time, she knew of him... Each time she sparred with him and fought by his side in the front lines. She would examine the fellow man that would captivate her heart. Examine his movement, his technique. What she observed even when they first fought was that he had no pride at all. No technique at all.

He dared leave himself open, knowing full well that could lead him to death with one wrong miscalculation and die. That man has no sense of worth for his life. That's what she noticed. No matter how much people pry him to change that suicidal style of his, he'd continue to use it.

She knows each of his moves well. This is why, right now, she's on the top of this battle. She watches his steel eyes remain calm despite her countless assault. She sees no worry in those eyes of his, despite being on the receiving end.

It makes her falter a bit, perhaps that is why she was so invested in him. His cynical attitude, that sarcastic tone. His carelessness and destructiveness. He... No. Emiya Shirou is not a bad person. He may have his issues, but doesn't everyone have them? He has his faults, and so does she.

Perhaps when everyone else learned that Shirou, the nameless Archer who was quite a mystery, his relationship with the vessel of Ishtar, Parvati, and even her younger self that wields the Holy Sword... That's what got her to feel more attached.

Shirou has a bond with all of them, and nobody knew him, for he was clouded in mystery and wished for it to remain that way. That's what got her attached to the man, for he is but their sheath. Everyone else... She knows it too. That they feel the same way about him. That he's their Sheath. They feel a special connection to him, perhaps that connection exists through space and time, which is why they feel attached to him. Despite having never had a relationship of the sort with the man. And everyone else knows as well.

That kind nature that he hides, shows what would have been if he was not twisted by the very world.

The hero saved the world, but the world did not save the hero.

SHATTER

She watched as the Bowman got sent back with a heavy blow she dealt. Watched as his blades shattered once again. A strained breath escaped from his mouth. Showing signs of fatigue.

Her eyes can only soften up. Perhaps she should stop. Her selfishness to want to learn more about him led to him getting hurt. She sees the blood and scratches on his body. Just like hers. They both delivered blows that could take a few days to heal.

She saw as his red mantle flew around, his eyes showed a fire in them as his shattered blades slowly crumbled.

"I must applaud you for making me this worn out..." She heard him speak. Deciding to break the silence between them, surprise leaped on her face. "Since the climax of this battle is coming to an end... Let us use our strongest moves then." A smirk appeared on his face. Seeing drops of sweat fall down his face.